A Maritime union is calling for an independent review and an end to 12 hour graveyard shifts after a stevedore died at Ports of Auckland this weekend.
Ports of Auckland Photo: Patrik Stedrak/ 123rf
A man was fatally injured while working on a ship at Fergusson Container Terminal about 2am on Sunday.
The Maritime Union's Auckland Local 13 secretary Russell Mayn said Ports of Auckland workers could be mandated to work up to 60 hours a week, on top of long hours and the physically demanding work.
Mayn said 12 hour overnight shifts were too long, given waterfront work could be dangerous if simple mistakes were made or if someone was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"We think both of these are a recipe for disaster," he said.
"The consequences are different from a lot of other jobs where night shift work apply," he said. "It's different from say, packing something on a production line, where all you may get wrong is the number of packets in the box.
"Down the waterfront, when you're lashing on board a ship, the reality is if you make a mistake it could cost you your life or cost someone else their life."
He said night shifts should be reduced to a maximum of eight hours.
A Ports of Auckland spokesperson said an independent investigation was under way and the Ports could not comment further at this stage.
A police spokesperson said police were working with Maritime NZ in a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
A Maritime NZ representative said their focus was on investigating the incident, and their thoughts were with the victim's family.
"We will reflect on the results of the investigation to determine what broader activities might be appropriate at that stage."